A Bigot’s Bigot

Nobody wants to be a bigot. A bigot is a dirty word, meaning; a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group).[i] This term is thrown around a lot so let’s look at it carefully.

A person who “hates” or refuses to accept a member of a particular group is a bigot. So if you hate and reject a Muslim you are a bigot. If you hate and reject Mexicans, you are bigoted.

Bigots are everywhere. They are found in every religion and race and political persuasion.

Now the definition didn’t say that if you disagree with someone you are a bigot but that if you hate or reject those you disagree with. So those of you who disagree with someone’s lifestyle or political ideas, can relax. You are not a bigot. You may disagree vehemently with others and strongly hold to your ideas without crossing the line to hate and rejection.

Conservatives and Christians are often assailed as bigots because of their strong views. They are being cursed. It is a label thrown out to shut you up. You may be loving and accepting of all people but reject their behavior and ideas and will still be unjustly labeled. I suggest you reject this title and continue to love those who oppose you.

Interestingly, many in those groups throwing the bigot label around like spears, are those who hate you unjustly and reject you because of your point of view. They are intolerant. These are blind and vile bigots.

If you think government handouts are destroying people, you are rejected. If you call sex outside wedlock sin against God, you are hated. When you are kind to those who oppose you, because you call homosexuality an abomination to God, you will be marginalized as an ignorant hater. Hold your ground.

Do not fold to their pressure, thinking you are blocking their way to Christ. Resist the urge to be liked and accepted. They need to see your love and conviction stand strong together. This is their only hope of salvation. They need to see you persevere under ridicule and abuse while you continue to be loving and kind. This is their opportunity to see the crucified Christ in your life.

Remember, they hated Christ and will hate you too. We need this for our faith, our churches and for the hope of salvation for all who would believe in Christ and repent. Love the bigot and the abuser and the sinner. Offer help, encouragement and acceptance to them that they may see Christ. No compromise, no retreat, bear up under this suffering!

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matt 5:11-12